Zekoshi (Zee ko shi)
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Standard practice among Zekoshi is keeping the feminine name from their origin culture. Therefore, if a new Zekoshi is born, that requires a feminine name, or a Zekoshi undergoing a more feminine Zekografts. The following are common names; Nothra, Suhe, Vethuce, Zenval, Ceca, Nerimvas, Tirvo, Gogim, Rurhin, or Tirsonra.
Masculine names
Standard practice among Zekoshi is keeping the masculine name from their origin culture. Therefore, if a new Zekoshi is born, that requires a masculine name or a Zekoshi undergoing a more masculine Zekografts. The most common masculine names are Xame, Orat, Ikum, Otul, Brisu, Niton, Drohor, Suci, Egux, and Trim.
Unisex names
Suppose a Zekoshi wants to not identify or has no preference for a feminine or masculine name. In that case, it is accepted in Zekoshi culture. The common practice of having a more unisex name is to adopt a family name associated with the type of modification as their first name and use Zeki or Zeko as the family name. (The creature's origin size determines if it's Zeki or Zeko. Medium or larger creatures tend to adopt Zeki, whereas Zeko is adopted by Medium or smaller. Creatures that are medium in size tend to choose either Zeki or Zeko but can be determined by the size of Zekografts they prefer.)
Family names
Family names have less meaning in this culture. Partially when the first members of the Variant Society of Zekosh experimented with Zekografts, their families either embraced them or rejected the change. They can no longer reproduce with their origin race due to complications. The feelings of being outcasted by the family were and can be a struggle. If one's family didn't accept their new lifestyle choice, they adopted the surname Zeki or even Zeko. These also became the basis for the new races created out of this culture.
If one is a descendant of the first Zekoshi, they would have either family name. If one is joining the Zekoshi culture, they can retain their original family name or adopt a new family name. Some that join the culture with the same family rejection tend to adopt family names associated with their chosen Zekografts.
Culture
Art & Architecture
Standard art practices in Zekoshi culture are tattoos, body piercings, and other vivid and abstract art mediums. The architecture displayed by Zekoshi is typically super smooth surfaces to make sure proper hygiene is in order. Zekoshi is very particular about messes, and their buildings and art are typically spotless.
Common Taboos
A significant taboo in Zekoshi culture is forcing an unwilling participant to receive a Zekografts. This is severely taboo and could lead to prosecution by the Zekosh government. It is exceptionally taboo because you violated that participant's choice to undergo a Zekograft modification. It is ultimately the person receiving a Zekografts choice because it drastically changes their genetic make-up and potentially their acceptance among their origin culture.
Common Myths and Legends
Two major myths and legends occur in Zekoshi culture. One is they will curse weary travelers so they can harvest their body parts to create more Zekografts. The second one is their culture is the reason for the strange creatures with abnormalities in the area. This second one is more of truth than legend, but it is why the first myth of the curse exists.
Historical figures
Lenord Gaff Zekkin is the first Expert Examiner of the Variant Society of Zekosh. He is the that discovered how to harvest Zekografts and use them to acquire new adaptations on one's self. His team of researchers and himself became the first Zeki and Zeko.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
These beauty ideals litterly and can even physically residie in the eye of the beholder. With that being said beauty is accepted for what one self preceives it as. Others that look upon you have a feeling of acceptance that you are beautiful in your own way. Ones mind and spirt is the judge of ones attraction tot he other.
Gender Ideals
Gender roles and ideals really aren't as commonplace as in other cultures. This is mainly that gender is now fluid in the Zekoshi lifestyle. No need to panic when traveling to Zekosh or even a Zekoshi event. You can't tell who is male or female due to that abundance of Zekografts.
Courtship Ideals
The most common courtship ritual is participating in a Zekograft harvest. This is where the courting couple will adventure into The Harvesters Paradise to collect Zekografts from a creature they trap together. However, the ultimate courtship ritual, or even commonly found amongst the uniting of two couples in marriage, is harvesting special Zekografts from the Cherry Bloom Bosk or Guardian Forest instead of using it as a new adaptation to consuming it together. This special Zekografts ritual is called The Zeko Cherry Smoked - Bosk or Siamadow.
Major organizations
The Variant Society of Zekosh left a significant impression on the lives of those living in Zekosh for future generations, so the Zekoshi culture was born.
Related Organizations
Related Locations
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